Down the Shore

 

“Ocean City’s founders envisioned the resort as a community for families in particular to enjoy” (46). 

The Book

Ocean City: America’s Greatest Family Resort by Fred Miller traces the growth of Ocean City from an island used to raise cattle to a thriving family town at the shore. The book begins with the story of five founders (three of whom were brothers) that wanted a family resort rooted in their Methodist beliefs. For majority of the city’s history, stores and the beach were closed on Sundays. That tradition is no longer in place, but the sale of alcohol is still not permitted in Ocean City.

Miller traces the early stages to the city’s prosperity, to weather tragedies, to the present. Included are interesting facts, such as this: Ocean City was one of the first in the nation to pay the lifeguards (p. 41) and those lifeguards have always been quick to rescue swimmers. Miller also discusses the growth of the city and details various events and celebrations. At times the topics jump quickly between paragraphs, but the history is easy and fun to read.

The Place

For over half my life, I have spent part of summer vacation in Ocean City, New Jersey. I always looked forward to the week my family spent down the shore and several of the places we would visit are mentioned in Miller’s book. The boardwalk provides amusement rides, miniature golf, go-karts, shops, and all kinds of restaurants. My family would visit Playland's Castaway Cove, which first opened in 1930. Now Playland is home to amusement park rides: including a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and a giant pirate ship over the entrance.

Shriver’s Candy Store is the oldest continuous store on the boardwalk and was founded in 1898. Shriver’s is known for their salt water taffy and visitors can watch it being made in the back of the store. Another favorite is Johnson’s Popcorn, who will ship their popcorn anywhere in the country.